Tag Archive for: #hendersonnews

TownTalk: Welcome Center Celebrates National Travel And Tourism Week Thursday, May 23

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There are nine official Welcome Centers in North Carolina, all positioned along interstate corridors near the borders of neighboring states. But how many of us who live in North Carolina have made a stop as we make our way home from a roadtrip?

Brian Fletcher, manager of the I-85 North Welcome Center in Norlina, said anyone who stops by tomorrow – Thursday – between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is going to be in for a treat.

“We’re gonna have a party out there tomorrow,” Fletcher said, to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, observed May 19-25.

Travelers who take a break at the combination rest stop and welcome center can enjoy tasty treats like watermelon, courtesy of the Watermelon Association, and barbecue from Skipper’s. There also will be additional resources available, all to help those traveling to – and through – the state.

Fletcher said the NCDOT operates and maintains the state’s rest areas, but the Welcome Centers are under the N.C. Department of Commerce. And he said welcome center employees are the state’s ambassadors to the traveling public.

Apparently, the state is becoming more and more attractive to the traveling public. In fact, Gov. Roy Cooper said North Carolina is ranked fifth in the U.S. as a domestic travel destination. In 2023, the North Carolina tourism economy totaled $35.6 billion for trips to and within the state, topping the record set just a year earlier by more than $2 billion.

Fletcher said the welcome centers are staffed with certified travel counselors who provide information about nearby attractions and upcoming events.

Visitors spend more than $97 million per day in North Carolina, which, in turn, funnels $7.1 million per day to state and local tax revenues – about $3.7 million in state taxes and $3.4 million in local taxes.

Having a welcome center to provide services for visitors is just one way to encourage people to get off the interstate and enjoy small towns like Henderson – “to encourage tourism spending in the state,” Fletcher said.

From a big weekend extravaganza like Show, Shine, Shag and Dine to a quaint little antiques shop or a downtown boutique, Fletcher said there’s a wealth of information at the welcome center.

“We represent the whole state,” he added, so the travel counselors don’t recommend one restaurant over another, but give folks several options to choose from.

Fun facts about the I-85 North Welcome Center: it was the state’s first welcome center, built in 1968. And the “north” in the name comes from its geographical location: it’s actually located on I-85 South, designed to welcome folks traveling INTO the state.

Have a question? Call 1.800.VISITNC or search online at www.visitnc.com. And the direct number to Fletcher’s center is 252.456.3236.

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American Legion Post 60 Memorial Day Service

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The Henderson American Legion Post 60 will host a Memorial Day event on Monday, May 27, beginning at 10 a.m. at the post building, located at the corner of Garnett and Spring streets in downtown Henderson.

Jeremy Hetrick, incoming Commander, will be the speaker.

As part of the holiday observance, the names of all individuals from Vance County who gave their lives in service to their country will be read aloud.

In case of rain, the event will be held in the post building.

 

TownTalk: National Police Week

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As part of last week’s observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Michael Easley joined U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and others across the country as they paid tribute to all members of law enforcement for their service within the ranks of federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement.

“As our country recognizes National Police Week, the Justice Department joins families and communities in remembering the members of the law enforcement community who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the public,” said Garland in a press statement issued from Easley’s office.

“Policing is difficult and dangerous, yet time and time again, law enforcement officers answer the call, showing up for their communities when they are needed the most,” he continued. “Their devotion to duty is matched only by that of their loved ones who make daily sacrifices to support them.  The Justice Department is committed to doing everything in our power to help provide our law enforcement partners with the resources they need to carry out their noble work on behalf of the public.”

“Every day across North Carolina, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Easley, who serves the Eastern District. “During National Police Week, we honor their courage and sacrifice. Because of you, Americans can live their lives driven by our highest hopes, dreams and aspirations – and not our greatest fears.  It is also critical to recognize our officers’ families, who support their loved one’s calling to build a safer community.  We owe you all a debt of gratitude.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

On Monday, May 13, the names of more than 280 officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 who have been added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial were read during a Candlelight Vigil. To view a recording of the livestream of this event, visit https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2024/candlelight-vigil/.

To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny! Upcoming Events At Perry Memorial Library

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Parents, if you’re wondering just how you’re going to keep the kids busy when they get out of school, just tap in to some of the events and programs that are shaping up at Perry Memorial Library.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days that have the main programs for young people this summer, said Melody Peters, Youth Services director at the library.

Take the Summer Reading Program kickoff, for example. Stop in on Tuesday, June 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to get the particulars of the incentive program that’s good for young people and adults, Peters said on Tuesday’s The Local Skinny!

“We just really want all ages joining us – we want people reading all summer,” she said. One minute of reading equals 1 point. Accumulate points to earn rewards – it’s just that easy.

The kickoff event features carnival-style games for the kids, craft activities for all ages, inflatable bowling games courtesy of the local rec and parks department, and Pelican Sno balls. Rangers from the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area will take part, as well as beekeepers from Vance and Warren counties.

With “adventure” as part of the theme, Peters reminds all readers that you can “find adventure in your backyard or in a good book.”

There are movies scheduled for Thursdays at 11 a.m. during the summer, as well as other special live performances including an aerial storytelling performance and a kids’ band – both returning after an overwhelming response last summer.

A new literary club is forming for middle and high school aged youth; come from 12 noon to 1 on Thursdays beginning June 27.

There’s another new program called Sip n Read, which provides coffee and tea in the Farm Bureau Room for adults who just want some quiet time with a hot beverage and a good book. Stop by between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 and Wednesday, July 3 for a respite from the summer temps.

Visit www.perrylibrary.org to check out a complete listing of all programs that await you at your library.

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Cooperative Extension with Wykia Macon 05-21-24

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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TownTalk: Blessed Trinity Holds Week-Long Revival

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Blessed Trinity Ministries, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Almice Floyd Gill, is hosting a five-day Community Outdoor Revival at Back to Eden, located at 475 Satterwhite Point Rd.

The revival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 27 and continues nightly through Friday, May 31.

Gill calls it an “old-fashioned” revival that promises to be inspirational to those who attend in person. And thanks to technology, folks who can’t make it in person can still tune in using a variety of platforms. She’d love to see people from Vance County, as well as surrounding counties, take part in the revival – whether in person or attending remotely.

The theme of the revival is “God’s love, God’s power, God’s purpose, God’s plan,” and Gill said she said the various preachers will be bringing a message of hope.

“We serve a God of hope,” she said on Monday’s TownTalk. With so many people facing challenges these days, Gill wants people to come out – “they will be strengthened by the word of God,” she said.

Gill will preach on Monday, and there will be a different speaker each evening. Others scheduled to speak include:

Tuesday – Evangelist Geraldine Hargrove, associate minister at Brookston Missionary Baptist Church

Wednesday – the Rev. Seaman Rice, New Covenant Faith Ministries

Thursday – the Rev. Dr. Jeanette Floyd, pastor at Dickie’s Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Friday – Bishop Luther K. Brooks, Solid Rock International Ministries

Find Blessed Trinity Ministries on Facebook or join via conference call to listen to the revival each evening. Simply call 605.475.4700 and use Passcode 751573 to connect.

Anyone wishing to make a donation is welcome to do so, she said, adding that there are numerous ways to give: bring cash, check, cashier’s check or money order to the revival or mail to: Blessed Trinity Ministries. P.O. Box 3241 Henderson, NC 27536

Pay online as well using Gill’s number 252.438.0397 and Zelle, Apply Pay or Cash App to $meeciefg.

The proceeds will be used to defray the costs of the revival, including the venue and the guest speakers.

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Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health Hosting Memorial Day Event – Gather ‘Round The Flag Poles On May 23 At 10 AM

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Maria Parham Health invites the community to a special Memorial Day event Thursday, May 23 to pay tribute to the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Let us come together as a community to honor and remember those who have selflessly served our nation,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us in this meaningful tribute to our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The commemoration will take place at the flagpoles of Maria Parham Health on Ruin Creek Road, beginning at 10 a.m., according to information from MPH Marketing & Communication Coordinator Donna Young.

This commemorative event will feature:

  • Prayers for those who gave their lives in service
  • Guest speakers sharing reflections
  • Music to uplift and inspire
  • The hanging of a Memorial Wreath
  • Reading of Names in Memoriam to honor individuals’ sacrifice

All members of the public are invited to join us as we come together to honor and remember our fallen heroes. Whether you have a personal connection to the military or simply wish to pay your respects, your presence is deeply appreciated.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to hospital auditorium to ensure the solemnity of the occasion remains undisturbed.

This special program comes on the heels of an earlier event on May 2, the National Day of Prayer. At 12 noon, team members from three area hospitals – Maria Parham Henderson, Maria Parham Franklin in Louisburg and Person Memorial Hospital in Roxboro – gathered at their respective locations to offer prayers for the nation, their hospitals and patients, as well as for families.

Beard, who serves as Market CEO at Maria Parham Health and Person Memorial Hospital, expressed appreciation for those who gathered together at the three locations. “In  moments like these, we are reminded of the profound impact of collective prayer in fostering  hope, resilience and compassion within our community,” Beard said.

The National Day of Prayer observance provided an opportunity for hospital staff to come together in a spirit of solidarity, reflecting on the challenges faced by our nation and our healthcare system  while also offering gratitude for the tireless efforts of frontline workers and the resilience of  patients and families.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who participated in this meaningful observance,” added Beard. “Together, through the power of prayer and compassion, we can continue to support and uplift one another, fostering a culture of healing and unity within our hospitals and beyond.”

-information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Disease & Insect In Home Orchards

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Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.

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